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peggy_racham's review against another edition
4.75
Dragons, fates, paralel universes and a love story that changes the world.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror, Death of parent, Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Child death, Homophobia, and War
desiderium_incarnate's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
"He could already see the yearning in her, the reach so many humans had, when they wished for more, a reach that was almost a magic on its own, if they only knew it."
So, Patrick Ness reliably got me out of a reading slump once more, I really have to thank him someday for that. Even though I know this isn't my favorite of his works, it's good and tackles some important issues. For example police brutality, racism and grief are strong topics here. It's also the story of some places, where the cold war Suddenly got a little warmer and finally exploded. Thanks to a little (dragon) magic and science. I mean I bought this book because it has dragons in it and is written by Patrick Ness, I got a lot more than that out of it. The theory of parallel universes and all the potential it holds is currently one of the main surprises. It packed a lot of action and violence, it had also less relatable feelings for me, but that's besides the point. My main problem was, that the book, in the beginning felt a little bumpy. I stumbled over sentences and had to read paragraphs again. I have to admit, I wasn't entirely good at focusing while reading too, so I don't know what percentage of the problems I had where just my fault. Nevertheless I had some problems with it because all the input the author wanted to integrate into the story really influenced the pacing. Of course later in the book, he got right back to the wonderfully polished style I know from him, but still. I get that it's hard, to write about people and experiences you personally don't really have a connection to and I appreciate that he did it and quite well too, I think, I feel like there could have been more to it though. I just mean, that I know there are other forms of media out there that have portraied similar problems in a more touching way, so I know it's possible,if that was his intention. Maybe he didn't want it to be as emotional as other books he wrote, I don't know. It's just something I personally would have changed. Still liked the book and dragons rule! ^^
" 'I'm just a girl.'
'It is tragic, how well you have been taught to say that with sadness rather than triumph.'"
So, Patrick Ness reliably got me out of a reading slump once more, I really have to thank him someday for that. Even though I know this isn't my favorite of his works, it's good and tackles some important issues. For example police brutality, racism and grief are strong topics here. It's also the story of some places, where the cold war Suddenly got a little warmer and finally exploded. Thanks to a little (dragon) magic and science. I mean I bought this book because it has dragons in it and is written by Patrick Ness, I got a lot more than that out of it. The theory of parallel universes and all the potential it holds is currently one of the main surprises. It packed a lot of action and violence, it had also less relatable feelings for me, but that's besides the point. My main problem was, that the book, in the beginning felt a little bumpy. I stumbled over sentences and had to read paragraphs again. I have to admit, I wasn't entirely good at focusing while reading too, so I don't know what percentage of the problems I had where just my fault. Nevertheless I had some problems with it because all the input the author wanted to integrate into the story really influenced the pacing. Of course later in the book, he got right back to the wonderfully polished style I know from him, but still. I get that it's hard, to write about people and experiences you personally don't really have a connection to and I appreciate that he did it and quite well too, I think, I feel like there could have been more to it though. I just mean, that I know there are other forms of media out there that have portraied similar problems in a more touching way, so I know it's possible,if that was his intention. Maybe he didn't want it to be as emotional as other books he wrote, I don't know. It's just something I personally would have changed. Still liked the book and dragons rule! ^^
" 'I'm just a girl.'
'It is tragic, how well you have been taught to say that with sadness rather than triumph.'"
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Child death, Grief, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cancer, Death of parent, Racial slurs, Racism, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Hate crime, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Violence, War, and Xenophobia
rachelditty's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
While I've always been a fan of Patrick Ness, I was apprehensive to pick up this book. I'm not usually one for fantasy. But I'm very happily surprised with where this book went. I loved Sarah and Jason, their friendship and their relationships with their families. The dragon, Chasamiere (I listened to the audiobook, so I'm not sure how his name is spelt) was a favorite from the first time we got to meet him, snarky and confident. He also ate a racist and talked about his attraction to other men when he was in human form, so how could I not love him? Malcom and Nelson were also a loveable duo, though at times I felt their relationship was moving a bit fast. There's not a doubt in my mind they found each other again at the end of the story. Have to say though, I was a bit weirded out when Malcom decided to just... kiss his double from the other dimension? That was an interesting choice. Overall a fun read, but I'm not sure I see myself picking it up again anytime soon. Well done, Ness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, and Racism
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Blood, Body horror, Cancer, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Violence, and Xenophobia
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